Mark Bassey has created here a brand new solo trombone feature, based on a slow Bossa Nova with just a hint of Bolero vaguely in the tradition of Jobim with undertones of Ravel.
Jazz trombonist Mark Bassey was commissioned in 2007 by Superbrass to write a trombone feature for Andy Wood. Mark writes: “Roger asked for something not too fast with a Spanish flavour – so I created a slow Bossa Nova with just a hint of Bolero vaguely in the tradition of Jobim with undertones of Ravel. It’s a fine vehicle for Andy Wood’s beautiful tone and virtuosic soloing skills.” This can be heard on the 2011 Superbrass debut recording “Under the Spell of Spain”.
Mark Bassey is a highly versatile composer and trombonist who can be heard in many different guises playing alongside Alan Barnes, Julian Arguelles, Nikki Iles and recently with Billy Jenkins and the BBC Big Band at Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club. Mark has written numerous compositions and arrangements, many of which have been recorded and broadcast - over 30 big band charts and various commissions including work for the Associated Board. He has recorded widely – recently with Daphna Sadeh, Johannes Lemke, Clark Tracey. In 2007 he released Mark Bassey’s Telling Stories an album featuring his own highly programmatic writing. Mark has been involved with jazz education for over 25 years, teaching trombone and running classes in harmony, improvisation, composition and arranging at many colleges including the Royal Academy of Music, Trinity College of Music, and the Jamey Aebersold jazz summer school.
